Over one million Americans have lost their lives while serving
their country. As Memorial Day approaches, it is important that we as a nation
reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our
country.

Many people have never asked themselves, "What can I do to
honor these individuals?" or even taken the time to think about the
significance of this day, other than it being just another federal holiday.

John F. Kennedy said, "A Nation reveals itself not only by
the citizens it produces, but also by the citizens it honors, the citizens it
remembers." Americans around the world can take this message to heart by
pausing for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on May 29 to reflect on these
words.

There are several different ways government departments and
agencies can get involved in the "National Moment of Remembrance."
Listed below are some suggestions to help agencies get the word to their
employees and beyond.

Send out a signed memorandum by the
head of the department or agency to all employees encouraging them to
participate.

Include remarks in speeches that
are given by department and agency officials in events leading up to and on
Memorial Day.

Include an informational message on the bottom of pay stubs
to remind people about the "National Moment of Remembrance."

Observe the "National Moment of Remembrance" where
appropriate by playing "Taps" at 3:00 p.m. local time at locations such as VA
hospitals, national parks, federal prisons, United States embassies, military
installations, and ships at sea and other locations under department and agency
jurisdiction.

Recognize their employees who have lost loved ones in
service to our country by creating a "Roll Call of
Remembrance" web page. Employees can provide their name, relationship to
deceased, name of loved one, when they died, where they died and branch of
service (other, i.e. foreign service).